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Tottenham's Mousa Dembele relieved to be back following spell out with injury

Mousa Dembele admits it has been a tough period on the sidelines with a hip injury but he is thankful to now be back.

Last Updated: 28/11/12 2:45pm

Mousa Dembele: Admits the injury was painful but is glad he did not need surgery

The Belgium international made his return to action as a substitute against West Ham United on Sunday and could feature more heavily in the midweek clash at home to Liverpool.

Dembele has revealed that he feared he would have to undergo an operation which would result in a much longer lay-off.

"I've had this hip problem before but this time it has been worse than it ever was in the past," he said in the London Evening Standard.

"Normally I can rest for three or four days and it is okay but this time the pain was more intense and I needed a longer spell out. I've worked with a personal physio in Belgium and it requires a lot of exercises. When I first got the problem again, I was worried that I would have to have an operation but the medical staff at Tottenham were very good.

"We searched for the best doctors that there were to treat hip injuries and I was supported very well. I'm happy the club gave me the time and space I needed to be pain-free again.

"When I thought I would need an operation, it was a difficult time for me and I wasn't happy but, unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do about it. Luckily, I've now been given the all-clear to play by the doctors."

Struggle

Tottenham have struggled for consistency in Dembele's absence and he is keen to help them regain top form, although he could be eased back in gently by Andre Villas-Boas.

"It's good to be back on the pitch again, even just for short spells, after having more than a month out," said the 25-year-old.

"The injury is okay now and it's about coming back slowly. I didn't feel as though I could have played a full game against Lazio or West Ham but it's a lot better.

"I need to talk to the manager to see when it's right for me to play 90 minutes but I hope I can do my bit now and help the team. I always want them to do well so I wasn't happy to see the poor results.

"They have played some good games and they haven't always been lucky but I hope I can give a bit extra and help them a bit more. I am a creative player and I can bring something more to the team."